Small Ship Cruise Talk

Small Ship Cruise Talk

Welcome to Small Ship Cruise Talk, your go-to podcast—and the only podcast of its kind—for all things small ship cruising! Whether you're curious about river cruises, yacht cruises, expedition cruises, barge cruises, or ship-within-a-ship experiences on larger vessels, we, Dan and Mikkel, of the esteemed small ship cruise website Sometimes Sailing, have you covered. Ever wondered what it’s like to sail on a ship with just four passengers...or 150? Want to know how to budget for a small ship cruise and what the actual costs are? Do we give small ship cruise food a thumbs up or thumbs down? Find out all that and more, like what kinds of ports small ships go to and what packing essentials we recommend, along with valuable small ship cruise travel planning tips. Each episode delivers concise, value-packed insights to help you easily navigate the world of luxury, adventure, and intimate cruising. Join us as we dive into real cruise experiences, insider tips, and expert interviews to help you plan your perfect small ship vacation. Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest: @sometimessailing

Episodes

August 27, 2025 18 mins

We're taking you aboard AmaWaterways' unique AmaMagna vessel with us to share exactly what makes this double-wide river cruise ship such a game-changer on the Danube River. 

You'll discover how the extra space translates into multiple restaurants, larger staterooms, and amenities you won't find on traditional river ships – including a pickleball court, full-size gym with spin bikes, and even a pool with a hot tub...

Mark as Played

Adding a Disney twist, we’re exploring a whole new world of river cruising with Disney Cruise Line experts Brian & Sam, the DCL Duo. Taking you inside Adventures by Disney (ABD) River Cruises, we’re discussing what makes this river cruise experience extra magical. 

You'll discover luxurious white-glove services that set Disney apart, plus unique excursions like salt mines and equestrian shows, and learn how Disney sprinkles...

Mark as Played

We're taking you down the Mekong River aboard AmaWaterways' AmaDara, sharing everything you need to know about this incredible “Riches of the Mekong” journey through 🇰🇭 Cambodia and 🇻🇳 Vietnam. (“Charms of the Mekong” sails the reverse.) 

Uncover the rich cultural experiences awaiting you at iconic destinations like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, plus get our practical tips for planning your river cruise from visa requirem...

Mark as Played

We're continuing our 🌺 UnCruise Hawaii adventure! Let's island hop from untouched Moloka'i to bustling Big Island, with pristine Lana'i in between. Discover what makes each destination unique, savor Hawaiian cultural & culinary highlights with us, and experience those magical moments, such as green flash sunsets, that make small ship cruising so special. We'll also share our essential packing and budge...

Mark as Played

Aloha! 🌺 If you've ever wanted to island-hop Hawaii by boat, but weren't sure how without finding yourself in "tourist traps" or one of thousands, our small ship cruise vacation in Hawaii is the answer.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we're taking you on an incredible UnCruise adventure through Hawaii's untouched beauty, describing exactly what makes UnCruise's Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary so m...

Mark as Played

We're joined by multimedia storyteller Noël Burgess to completely transform how you think about river cruises – especially if you're part of the younger generation who might have written them off as something for your grandparents. 

You'll hear Noël's candid journey from skeptic to convert as he discovered the unique charm and surprising accessibility that river cruises offer younger travelers like millennials an...

Mark as Played

Step aboard American Jazz with us to cruise the spectacular Columbia and Snake Rivers! Uncover vital info you need to know to make the most of this incredible Pacific Northwest adventure. 

You'll discover what makes this ship special, how to prepare for the stunning landscapes you'll encounter, and the fascinating cultural and historical insights that will enrich your journey from Native Americans to the expedition of Lewi...

Mark as Played

Ever wonder about U.S. river cruises? We're taking you inside American Cruise Lines (ACL) to help you decide if this domestic cruise experience is right for your next adventure. 

You'll discover their unique offerings and various types of vessels you can cruise on. Discover their interesting itineraries and where they cruise, along with what the onboard amenities are like. Is the food tasty? What do they offer for onboard ...

Mark as Played

Let’s dive into the magical world of 🎄 Christmas market river cruising in Europe! We are sharing exactly how you can make the most of this enchanting holiday experience. 

In part 1 of our 2-part series (you'll find Part 2 here), you'll learn our insider tips for:

  • Timing your cruise perfectly
  • Choosing the right itinerary for you
  • Discovering the incredible culinary delights that await you at each market

We'll also...

Mark as Played

We're taking you on a complete journey through Christmas market river cruising in Europe in two parts (you'll find Part 1 here), sharing everything we've learned to help you create the most magical holiday cruise experience possible. 

In part 2 of our 2-part series, you'll discover:

  • Our pertinent booking strategies
  • Essential packing tips
  • Advice on what type of stateroom location and why
  • How to manage expectations...
Mark as Played

We explore the luxurious experience offered by Riverside Luxury Cruises aboard the Riverside Debussy, with insights into the Riverside Mozart as well, diving into what makes this cruise line stand out in the competitive river cruise market. 

We discuss the unique features that set Riverside apart from other river cruise lines, including the impressive flexibility of their itineraries and exceptional dining options that cater to disc...

Mark as Played

In this exclusive sit-down with Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, we are bringing you info about this luxury, relatively new cruise line that's taking the rivers by storm! 

Jen shares how Riverside's definition of luxury goes beyond premium amenities: it's rooted in personalized service and meticulous attention to detail, highlighted by their remarkable one-to-one crew-to-suite ratio. The ships feel m...

Mark as Played

Should you extend your cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland? Discover if it’s the right move for you as we cover practical logistics, must-see attractions, insider tips, culinary experiences, cruise port locations, and more. We’ll fill you in on the importance of planning ahead, especially to coordinate with your cruise embarkation, and share our personal experiences to enhance your vacation to this vibrant, Nordic city.

  • See our recomme...
Mark as Played

Our unforgettable experience cruising around Iceland with Windstar on the yacht named Star Pride is one for the books! Tune in to learn the unique advantages of small ship cruising in this outstandingly gorgeous Nordic country, including direct access to ports, personalized service, and immersive experiences. 

Learn exactly what ports we visited and why they were special, about the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and o...

Mark as Played

We are exploring the world of luxury cruising with expert Dana Freeman! She shares her journey, inspired by her grandmother's love of cruising, so you can understand what makes different cruise lines unique in the niche.

Learn about Galapagos with Ecoventura, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Seabourn and Emerald cruises, plus the intimate nature of small ship cruising for varied adventures. Dana shares luxurious experiences highlighti...

Mark as Played

If you've heard anything about river cruise lines, the names "Viking" and "AmaWaterways" likely sound familiar. We break down the key differences between and similarities between these two leading river cruise lines. Join us as we discuss ship design, dining experiences, excursion options, pricing, and the target audience for each option. 

With firsthand experiences, we provide insights to help you choose th...

Mark as Played

Considering cruising in Alaska and wondering what you get with a big ship vs. a small ship or vice versa? Join us as we explore the differences between the two for Alaskan cruises, focusing on the Inside Passage. We discuss ship sizes, itineraries, cultural immersion, pricing, and personal preferences, providing insights to help you choose the right cruise for your dream vacation in The Last Frontier.

Here are some helpful links fro...

Mark as Played

Come along as we explore the charming city of Sitka, Alaska! Find out why it has a unique character, including its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll also discuss practical travel tips for your vacation planning, must-see wildlife experiences, and local dining recommendations. Consider this a comprehensive guide to enjoying Sitka. 

You’ll also discover the hidden treasures that make Sitka a standout destin...

Mark as Played

Let’s explore Ketchikan, Alaska! We share our experience visiting multiple times, including overnight stays in this southern Alaskan city, often called the gateway to Alaska. From local dining (do not miss our #1 recommendation for where to dine), cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, by the end of the episode, you’ll have a plethora of valuable insights and a comprehensive guide to Ketchikan's attractions and local sp...

Mark as Played

As part of our All About Alaska series, we share our experiences with Alaskan Dream Cruises, focusing on the unique aspects of small ship cruising in the 49th state. We discuss the authentic Alaskan experience, the Baranof Dream ship, daily life onboard, wildlife watching, pricing, dining options, entertainment, itinerary highlights, packing tips, and the benefits of extending your stay in Alaska.

During this episode, we reference: 

...
  • Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      Crime Junkie

      Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

      NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

      Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.

      The Bobby Bones Show

      Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

      New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

      Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.